Thirteen Days of Midnight
by Leo Hunt
"Gripping. . . . With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
When Luke Manchett's estranged father dies unexpectedly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance: his Host, a collection of eight restless spirits who want revenge for their long enslavement. Halloween is fast approaching, and Luke knows his Host is planning something far more trick than treat. Armed with only his father's indecipherable notes, a locked copy of The Book of Eight, and help from school outcast Elza Moss, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic and to send his unquiet spirits to their eternal rest—or join their ghostly ranks himself.
Paperback
English
Brand New
Author Biography
Review
A well-constructed, truly unique plot and perfect pacing combine to immediately hook readers, who will be invested in Luke's fate after only a few pages. Luke and Elza are credible and convincing characters: He is funny, likable, and though inexperienced with the paranormal, he is determined. Independent and outspoken Elza shows a spark of her own humor...Fans of Jonathan Stroud's "Lockwood & Co." series are certain to appreciate this unusual and enjoyable title.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Hunt keeps tension high but balances it with humor, including a wonderful short episode written from a dog's point of view. The northern English setting adds atmosphere, and Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists.
—Kirkus Reviews
Hunt builds suspense as the days to Halloween melt away and creates a sharp contrast between the mundane details of Luke's pedestrian school life with the fresh horror he sees as the veil between the living and the dead grows ever thinner. A solid pick for paranormal enthusiasts.
—Booklist Online
The frequent dark humor of Luke's narration is balanced by moments of true suspense and satisfyingly complex relationships between Luke and his parents, Elza, the Host, and even his dog (whose touching perspective is revealed in an unexpected way).
—The Horn Book
Offer this to ghost fans who don't mind some serious creepiness and a sturdy amount of gore mixed in with their spectral hauntings.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Older teens who gravitate towards horror/thriller titles will enjoy this novel.
—School Library Connection
Review Quote
A well-constructed, truly unique plot and perfect pacing combine to immediately hook readers, who will be invested in Luke's fate after only a few pages. Luke and Elza are credible and convincing characters: He is funny, likable, and though inexperienced with the paranormal, he is determined. Independent and outspoken Elza shows a spark of her own humor...Fans of Jonathan Stroud's "Lockwood & Co." series are certain to appreciate this unusual and enjoyable title. -School Library Journal (starred review) With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying. -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Hunt keeps tension high but balances it with humor, including a wonderful short episode written from a dog's point of view. The northern English setting adds atmosphere, and Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists. -Kirkus Reviews Hunt builds suspense as the days to Halloween melt away and creates a sharp contrast between the mundane details of Luke's pedestrian school life with the fresh horror he sees as the veil between the living and the dead grows ever thinner. A solid pick for paranormal enthusiasts. -Booklist Online The frequent dark humor of Luke's narration is balanced by moments of true suspense and satisfyingly complex relationships between Luke and his parents, Elza, the Host, and even his dog (whose touching perspective is revealed in an unexpected way). -The Horn Book Offer this to ghost fans who don't mind some serious creepiness and a sturdy amount of gore mixed in with their spectral hauntings. -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Older teens who gravitate towards horror/thriller titles will enjoy this novel. -School Library Connection
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